"Although I don’t support James Gunn’s inappropriate jokes from years ago, he is a good man," Chris Pratt wrote on Instagram Monday (July 30), referencing a number of offensive tweets posted by Gunn in the late 2000s that ultimately led to his ousting. "I’d personally love to see him reinstated as director of Volume 3."

Pratt also shared an open letter signed by him and fellow Guardians stars Zoe Saldana, Karen Gillan, Bradley Cooper, Sean Gunn, Pom Klementieff, Dave Bautista, and Michael Rooker. It expresses full support for the director, and asks that society use his transgressions as a learning experience. It also points to “the growing political divide in this country” as an instigator for Gunn's firing, backing up the widespread conception that he was targeted for his outspoken criticism of President Donald Trump (Gunn;s tweets were resurfaced by a number of alt-right media personalities).

"There is little due process in the court of public opinion. James is likely not the last good person to be put on trial," the letter reads, in part. "Given the growing political divide in this country it’s safe to say instances like this will continue, although we hope Americans from across the political spectrum can ease up on the character assassinations and stop weaponizing mob mentality."

Gunn, who helmed the first two Guardians films, previously apologized for his remarks on Twitter.

"Many people who have followed my career know when I started, I viewed myself as a provocateur, making movies and telling jokes that were outrageous and taboo," he wrote on Friday. "I used to make a lot of offensive jokes. I don’t anymore. I don’t blame my past self for this, but I like myself more and feel like a more full human being and creator today. Love to you all."